Creature Corner
Last week in “Days of Our Nine Lives,” ARF cats and kittens met the newest ARF member, Rufus the dog.
Harley: I’m so excited for this holiday season!
Pepper: So am I! I hope all pet guardians keep our safety in mind during all this holiday activity.
Phil: It would be so easy for a cat or dog to get ahold of something unsafe. Scary!
Rufus: I think most humans are aware that lots of the food served during the holiday season can be harmful to dogs and cats, but what about the trash?
Carrie: Trash? What do you mean?
Rufus: Aluminum foil and plastic wrap! When covered in food scraps and drippings, they become a hard-to-resist treat for us. If we eat foil or wrap, they can cause inflammation and/or obstruction of our digestive tract.
Pepper: Wow, never thought much about that.
Rufus: And what about the twine used during cooking a turkey dinner? If a dog or cat eats it, it can cause serious damage in the intestine, which could result in the leakage of intestinal contents into the abdominal cavity. That would require emergency medical care and surgery!
Carrie: Oh no! That would be one way to ruin a fun holiday, especially for the pet.
Rufus: And don’t get me started on trash cans! They are so tempting for those of us who are opportunistic by nature. It’s there so, why not?
Smokey: But sadly, the carcass and bones of the turkey are so dangerous if we should chew or eat them. Turkey bones are brittle and splinter easily. The sharp points could puncture our esophagus, stomach, or intestines.
Rufus: And a puncture in any one of these parts will result in a painful illness and require expensive surgery.
Eeyore: I don’t want to risk that! Be sure to keep up with the animal antics of Days of our Nine Lives each week. And please stop in to say hello to the entire adoptable cast at the ARF House, 26890 Hwy 243. ARF is open Saturdays 10-3, Sundays 10-2, and during the week by appointment. Please call 951- 659-1122.
Creature Corner is seeking monthly sponsors. For those interested in sponsoring future months of Creature Corner, contact ARF at 951-659-1122 or info@idyllwildarf.org.
